SU1332 : Old Sarum

Old Sarum

122m Elevation
43m Prominence
England Country
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SU1332 : Old Sarum

Eirian Evans Photo source

Explore routes near Old Sarum

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

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Durdle Door coastal walk

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Old Sarum Circular Walk

A popular circular route starting from the Old Sarum car park. This route takes you around the ancient hill fort, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Salisbury Cathedral in the distance. The trail includes a mix of grassy paths and well-trodden tracks, providing a gentle introduction to the area's history and natural beauty.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Old Sarum to Salisbury Cathedral Walk

This linear route begins at Old Sarum and descends through rolling fields and quiet lanes towards Salisbury Cathedral. The path follows part of the Avon Valley and offers a scenic journey with historic significance, connecting the ancient hill fort to the iconic medieval cathedral.

6 km ~2 hours Moderate

Old Sarum and River Avon Circuit

A longer circular walk that combines Old Sarum with a peaceful stretch along the River Avon. Starting from the Old Sarum car park, the route meanders through farmland, riverside paths, and woodland trails before looping back to the hill fort. Ideal for walkers seeking a mix of landscapes and wildlife.

9 km ~3 hours Moderate

Old Sarum Historical Trail

This route focuses on exploring the historical significance of Old Sarum. Starting at the hill fort, it delves into the site's rich history, including the Iron Age, Roman, and Norman periods. The walk includes interpretive stops at key locations around the fort and nearby archaeological features.

3 km ~1 hours Easy

Old Sarum to Hudson’s Field Loop

A family-friendly loop that starts at Old Sarum and ventures into Hudson’s Field, a popular green space nearby. The route offers a mix of open landscapes, picnic spots, and gentle gradients, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

5 km ~1.8 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

122m

400 ft

Prominence

43m

Coordinates

51.0935, -1.8042

SU138327

OS Map

184

Explorer: 130S

At the Summit

The summit features the remains of a medieval castle and the foundations of a cathedral, along with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some uneven pathways but nothing to lose your footing over.

Old Sarum is primarily composed of chalk and flint, resting atop a hill formed during the last Ice Age. The area showcases classic chalk downland geology, which is quite the spectacle!

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot landmarks like the city of Salisbury and the distant rolling hills of the South Downs.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Old Sarum' is derived from the Latin 'Sarum', reflecting its Roman connections.

Historical Significance

Old Sarum has a rich history as a settlement since the Iron Age, with remnants from various periods, including Neolithic, Roman, and medieval times.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking at the Old Sarum visitor centre, just a stone's throw away from the site.

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Salisbury to Old Sarum make it easy to get here without a car.

Nearby Facilities

A small café is near the visitor centre, along with public toilets, so you can refuel and refresh after your explorations.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven ground and steep drops around the fortifications. Common sense should prevail!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Old Sarum?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Old Sarum through the maps

Are there other walkers around Old Sarum?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Old Sarum search or of course create your own walk for Old Sarum

Can I organise a walk to Old Sarum?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Old Sarum.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Old Sarum?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Old Sarum here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SU138327

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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